It was good to visit #Chelmsford Job Centre last week and meet the team supporting people into work - including young people, those with health conditions, older workers and ex-offenders.

It was a true privilege to plant a tribute in the House of Commons Garden of Remembrance on behalf of the Chelmsford community. As Remembrance Sunday approaches, let’s take a moment to pause and reflect on the sacrifices made by those who gave everything for our freedom.

It’s worrying to see a rise in baby food pouches in pre-school lunchboxes instead of proper meals. Research from Anglia Ruskin University raised serious concerns about nutrition and marketing. I've written to Ella’s Kitchen urging responsible marketing that supports, and not misleads, families.

The British Council faces a financial crisis. Without action on their pandemic-era loan and the recent grant cuts, they could be insolvent within a year – along with the soft power they provide. The Foreign Secretary must meet their CEO urgently.

I’m deeply concerned that the CQC has rated Mid & South Essex NHS Trust as inadequate. Patients and staff have been let down, and urgent action is needed. I’ll be meeting the Trust to push for swift improvements and to understand how things got so bad. Our community deserves a safe, well-led NHS.

I’ve heard from many constituents about Blue Badge parking at #BroomfieldHospital. I’ve contacted the hospital and followed up again to chase an update. Current rules mean some visitors must queue to validate parking. I’ve asked for swift changes to make parking easier.

Stamp duty needs reform but scrapping it risks higher house prices. We need more homes, not a £10bn policy without a plan. 📖 You can read more in my Essex Chronicle article here: bit.ly/437DGLl 🎙️ Link to my #BBCEssex interview is in the comments.

Hello Chelmsford 👋🏼 Here are some things I’ve been up to recently.

Proud that my Lib Dem colleagues and I stood up for people’s rights today, defeating Nigel Farage’s attempt to take the UK out of the ECHR. We’ll keep fighting to ensure the UK remains a country that defends equality, justice, and human rights.

I welcome an independent inquiry following the mistaken release of a convicted sex offender from HMP Chelmsford last week. The Government must act fast, and any prison leaders at fault, including Governors, should resign. Systemic failure isn’t one officer’s fault.

I’m pleased that the Government has listened to my call for an inquiry into how so many prisoners are being released by mistake from our prison system. I welcome the Justice Secretary’s announcement of an independent investigation into what’s going wrong and how we fix our prison service.

I’m relieved that Kebatu is back in custody. This doesn’t excuse the serious mistakes that let this happen in the first place. It’s unacceptable that anyone's safety was ever put at risk. Now, the Govt must act, fix the system, and hold a rapid inquiry. www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...

I didn’t think this story could get worse, but the Prison Service had several chances to fix it and failed. The Government now has serious questions to answer and major work to do to make the system fit for purpose. It certainly isn't at the moment. shorturl.at/4jgD6

I am closely following the Chelmsford manhunt and am in contact with police and the prison. The man must be returned to custody immediately for deportation. Once over, a full public inquiry must explain how this happened. It is unacceptable and may have endangered my constituents

The voices of trans people must be heard in Parliament.️‍‍ I’ve urged full scrutiny of EHRC’s guidance, which risks undermining their rights. Lib Dems call on the Government to protect everyone fairly and ensure people aren’t excluded from safe facilities or public life.

Health and social care needs your voice. 📣 After many delayed reports from Care Quality Commission (CQC) inspections in #Chelmsford, it’s clear improvements are needed. The #CQC is now asking for your views. 📅 Have your say by 11 Dec 2025: bit.ly/4hphlPh

We mustn’t let the UK turn into a Trump-style America. #LibDems have real plans to restore the UK and focus on what people want. I recently discussed party conferences, the budget, MPs’ security, and more on ITV Anglia Late Edition. Link in the comments.

To everyone who celebrates, have a bright and happy Diwali! 🎉

I spoke on Times Radio about how local action, like Chelmsford City Council’s Women’s Safety Charter, helps to stem the increase in incidents of Violence Against Women and Girls. We can’t police our way out of this. Instead, we need prevention, education, and community action. 👉 Link in comments.

Hi Chelmsford 👋🏼 Here are a few highlights from this week.

Fridays are my favourite because I get to be in #Chelmsford. Lots going on today: ☀️ Discussed stamp duty on BBC Essex. 🏥 Spoke with The Priory about mental health. 📚 Listened to Year 5s speak on big issues at Barnes Farm Primary School. 🗣️ Held a surgery to listen to constituents’ concerns.

Congratulations to the Chelmsford Station Team on their nomination and to the Beaulieu Park Station Team for reaching the finals at the RailStaff Awards. 🎉 The Chelmsford team does a fantastic job making our journeys safer, more reliable, and easier. So lucky to have them right here in #Chelmsford.

I’ve written to First Bus and Essex County Council about possible changes to Chelmsford’s C3, C8 and C11 bus routes, including reduced evenings, Sundays and holiday services. The 2025 Local Bus Consultation runs until 27 Oct. Have your say here: bit.ly/46YluVz

I’m supporting the creation of a five-council model in #Essex to give local communities more power. It keeps that strong sense of community while giving councils the flexibility to respond quickly to what residents need. Full article here: www.bbc.com/news/article...

Support for those affected by dementia in Chelmsford. 📣 Nationwide’s Fairer Futures programme, with Dementia UK, offers free appointments with Admiral Nurses. Visit the Chelmsford branch 28 – 30 Oct for expert advice. Open to all, no matter who you bank with. Book here: bit.ly/4q9gQNg

After two years in Hamas' brutal captivity, it’s a huge relief to see all the remaining hostages released. At the Sharm El-Sheikh Summit, the PM must push to increase aid to Gaza and work with allies to end the violence for good. My thoughts are with all families affected and those now freed.

The rail system isn’t working for passengers. Prices are up and satisfaction is down. Recently, I spoke to BBC Essex about Greater Anglia’s nationalisation and rising fares. Across the country, we need fair fares, simpler tickets, and better trains. Watch here: bbc.in/470yvxK

I’ve heard from concerned residents about cases of anti-social behaviour in #Chelmsford. To make sure your concerns are properly recorded and followed up, please report anti-social behaviour directly to Chelmsford City Council on their website (bit.ly/4nd78XL) or call 01245 606606.

Greater Anglia will be nationalised and run by the Department for Transport from 2am this Sunday. There will be no changes to any of the core aspects of train operations. I recently wrote to the Transport Secretary seeking assurances that their excellent record will be maintained after Sunday.

Great to meet students at King Edward VI Grammar School in #Chelmsford. I was really impressed by their interest in politics and their brilliant questions. We had a great discussion about real-world challenges. The future’s in good hands. #KEGS

Hi Chelmsford! 👋🏼 Here are a few things that have been happening recently.

After years of waiting, Beaulieu Park Station opens on 26 Oct 2025. I visited the site recently and the transformation is incredible. It looks fantastic. A big step forward for local travel. Can’t wait to hop on a train from there myself, and I know many of you feel the same. #BeaulieuParkStation

Two years since the Oct 7 Hamas terror attacks, we remember the victims, their families and the hostages still in captivity. In the UK, we’ve seen an appalling rise in antisemitism and hatred, even just last week. Hate must never be allowed to thrive here.

Early Years is a priority for me, so I welcome the Education Committee’s new inquiry on improving support for children, families and providers. 📆 Share your views by 11:59pm, Friday 10th Oct 2025. 🔗 bit.ly/4mp3nxT

Exactly this. 👇 Horrible scenes. Nobody should have to live in fear and everyone should be free to worship in peace.

It was great meeting many organisations at the conference and hearing about the key issues they’re facing. From urgent #NHS dentistry reform and better education funding, to supporting families with dementia and making #Parliament more inclusive – I’m committed to making these voices heard.

Today marks 100 years of #WorldAnimalDay 🐾 Join the #DonateADinner campaign to support rescue centres caring for animals in need. Drop pet food at a supermarket or donate to your local shelter. More information here: naturewatch.org/lets-donate-...

I echo the words of @eddavey.libdems.org.uk. My thoughts are also with the victims, their families and the emergency services. Such awful scenes, made especially horrific by this happening on the Jewish holy day of Yom Kippur.

90,000 people, including women and children, are waiting for decisions about their asylum applications. That’s unsustainable. I recently spoke to GB News about clearing the asylum backlog so refugees can help fill key workforce gaps or returned to the country they came from.

Many ex-offenders released on probation are returned to prison due to unstable housing. Without a home, reoffending doubles. I asked the Justice Secretary what’s being done to break this cycle and support people after release.

The #SEND system is failing families in #Chelmsford. Parents face delays, unfair rules, and cuts to vital support for their children. Recently, I spoke at a packed Westminster debate and called on the Government to ensure any new system properly supports families.

Hello Bournemouth! 🧡 It’s the first day of the Lib Dem Autumn Conference, and I’ve already had some very interesting and productive meetings with different organisations about how I can better support Chelmsford across a range of areas. Looking forward to the next few days.

Hi Chelmsford 👋🏼 Here are a few things I’ve been up to this week.

I recently joined other MPs in a Virtual Dementia Tour – a tough but eye-opening experience. It gave me a glimpse into the daily reality for people living with #dementia. Confusing, exhausting and heartbreaking. No one chooses this. Awareness, compassion and support are crucial.

I support #devolution, but Thurrock’s £800m debt must be solved first. It’s unfair for #Essex residents like those in #Chelmsford to pay for debts they didn’t create. I’ve urged the Government to find a solution. Link to my full speech in the comments.

Today is World Patient Safety Day. Over 20,000 children were left disabled after the anti-epilepsy drug, #SodiumValproate, was given to pregnant women, often without warning of serious side-effects. I’ve raised this issue in Parliament, and I’m pushing for accountability and action.

Mothers weren’t warned about the risks of sodium valproate (an anti-epilepsy drug). Now they care for children with lifelong disabilities as a result. The Government still hasn’t responded to the Hughes Report, saying how families should be compensated. Victims shouldn't have to wait any longer.

The #SEND system is broken, and I won’t stop raising this in Parliament. Today, I stood with SEND families calling for fairness. Now, I’m on my way to debate a petition to protect SEND children’s rights. Every child deserves to thrive, and families need the right to challenge poor decisions.

It’s shocking to see Mid & South Essex NHS Trust ranked near the bottom and our ambulance service the worst in the country. This is what years of Tory neglect look like. My #LibDem colleagues and I are demanding answers and urgent action to fix our #NHS.

Just a few things I’ve been up to this week ✅